leverich



(a. ZLEVERICH.

' Axle Box and Hub.

Patented Feb. 2, 1869.

GABRIEL LE VERICH, OF ELIZABETHPORT, NEW JERSEY. Laws PM No. 86,558, dated Febrha/ry 2, 1869. i

IMPROVEMENT IN AXLE-BOXES AND HU'BS.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part of the same.

ing a part of this Specification, and in which Figure 1 represents a longitudinal section of an axlebox and hub, constructed according to my invention;

Figure 2 represents a transverse section of the same,

taken. through line a; x,- and Figure 3, a similar view of the same, taken through the line y y. Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

' The .obj ect of this invention is to prevent the breaking or straining of the spokes of the wheels or the axles of vehicles by the violent wrenching to which they are at times exposed; and

The invention consists in the suspending of the axleboxes within elasticbearings, whereby the spokes and axles are, in a great measure, relieved fiom strain by the yielding of said bearings during the most severe wrenching to which said parts may be subjected.

In order that others may understand the construction and operation of my invention, I will proceed to describe it, with reference to the drawings;

A is a hub, of the ordinary form and appearance, except that it is provided with an inner shell, 12, for reception of an axle-box, c.

Said shell .b is preferably of a formation, as represented in thedrawing, i. 'e., of an outwardly-taper form,

and with an'enlarged portion near its inner extremity, for reception, between it and the box 0, of an interposed filling, h, of India rubber, or other elastic material.

The box 0 is provided, near its outer extremity, with a shoulder, a, whichfits against an inwardly-projecting shoulder, 71, at the outer extremity of the shell b, while upon the opposite extremity of said box 0 is provided a collar or enlargement, c", which is received within a recessed portion, h, of the rubber filling, h.

By means of the taper formation of the shell b, space is left between the innersurface thereof and the outer surface of the box 0, along their central and inner portions, so as to provide sufficient play for the box during the yielding of theelastic filling, h. Said space is kept closed at the terminus of the rubber filling, h, by

means of a metal washer, j, for preventing the forcing therein of a portion'of the saidrubber filling during the compression of the same.

d is a check-ring, fitting'over a reduced portion of the collar 0, and is designed not only for retaining the box 0 within the shell b, and preventing the outward compression of the rubber, but also for preventing the entering in of dirt, or dust, or other foreign matter.

A groove, 9', is provided within the shell h, opposite the check-ring 65, so as, by the entering therein of the said check-ring, to allow for the oscillation or play of the box 0.

The said check-ring d is held in place, and the'box 0 thereby confined within the shell b, by means of a screw-cap, e, screwed into the entrance of the said shell.

Rotation of thebox within the shell, as also the shell within thehub, is prevented by means of ribs upon the one fitting within corresponding grooves within the other. 7 To'perrnit oscillation, and reduce friction, slight play is allowed between the shoulders b and c, and, to prevent rattling and wear, a rubber ring, or band, i, is fitted into a reduced portion or neck of the box 0, near its outer end, and is compressed between it and the interior of the corresponding part of the shell 11'.-

The rubber filling, h, is inserted between the shell and box, under, a degree of pressure proportionate to the character of vehicle to which it is applied, and

the amount of weight which it isliable to carry, but, in all cases, said pressure should be suflicient to provide a firm and unyielding support to the axles while upon even ground.

The outer extremity h of the said filling, h',-also is designed to protrude a little beyond the collar 0, so that, when the cap, 2, is screwed in,,the said portion h will besubjected to an additional degree of compression, independently of that to which.the mass of filling, h, is subjected, whereby the check-ring d may be made to sustain a proportionately greater amount of pressure outwardly than the collar 0', thus providing for a sufiicient yielding-of the filling necessary in allowing the limited longitudinal movement of the box at times, without materially lessening the pressure of the said portion h against the check-ring 41. By this means, the said check-ring d is held more firmly against the screw-cap e at all times, thereby more effectually excluding dust and other foreign matter from the interior of the hub.

It is preferred to give to the inner and outer, surfaces of the check-ring d, as well as the movable parts which come in contact therewith, a spherical formation to a sufiicient degree, taking the length of the box as a radius, to provide for the free oscillation of the hub when necessary.

The action of the parts, in the operation of this invention, is to transmit any sudden wrench or strain from the point of contact at the rim to the elastic hearing around the box which, in yielding, allows an oscillatory movement of the wheel and hub about the box, thereby taking up the shock, which, in other cases, is home in all its severity by thespokes of the wheel,

and the, spindle upon which the said wheel is ear- 3. The combination of the shell b, provided with ried. groove g, and the box 0, having eollar c, with the What I claim as my invention, and desire to have screw-cap e and cheek-ring d, substantially as and for secured by Letters Patent, is the purpose-set forth. 7 1. The box 0, sustained within the hub A in yield- G. LEVERIOH ing bearings h i, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth. Wltnesses:

2. The combination, with the hub and axle-box, of J. W. GOOMBS, the taper. shell I) and elastie'filling h z, substantially A. KINNIER.

as herein described. 

